Sunday River reopens after suffering major flooding damage

Crews completed the installation of a temporary bridge to the Grand Summit within 30 hours of the storm. (Sunday River)

Sunday River re-opened on Saturday, five days after the Maine ski resort suffered major damage from a storm that brought high winds and localized flooding.

It was just in time for the busy holiday period. 

“No words can fully convey the depth of gratitude and respect owed to our team, our corporate leadership, and our outside contractors,” general manager Brian Heon said. “It is through the passion and resiliency of this team that we can welcome guests back to our mountain so quickly.” 

Sunday River had been closed since Monday, when it experienced damage to infrastructure, including impacts to roadways and trails. Localized flooding caused a portion of the road leading to the Sunday River Grand Summit Hotel to wash away.

Crews completed the installation of a temporary bridge to the hotel within 30 hours of the storm and are still repairing road washouts, replacing culverts, and removing debris from base areas. Despite facing power outages at their own homes, the resort’s team and contractors worked to restore operations, Sunday River said in a release. “They played a crucial role in the early restoration efforts,” the release said. “In the face of daily challenges, the teams reached significant milestones, such as installing a temporary bridge at the Grand Summit Hotel within 30 hours of the storm.” 

Four lifts—Barker 6, Locke Triple, Spruce Triple, and White Cap Quad—serviced guests and connected 20 trails between the Barker and White Cap Basins. Both Barker and South Ridge lodges were open, with guest services and dining options available out of both locations. Parking primarily was based out of South Ridge and White Cap, with guest shuttles linking these key resort areas.

Amenities at South Ridge, where cleanup efforts are still ongoing, included the Foggy Goggle.